Located in Central Illinois, Eureka is the county seat of Woodford County. As of 2010 statistics, the population of the town is approximately 5,295 individuals with a significant white population. It is generally considered a small town, which is most famous for providing education to the popular American president Ronald Reagan. The former president attended the Eureka College in the town. In fact, the city is a part of the Ronald Reagan Trail, which is an interconnected community of townships where Reagan spend his early life.
History
It is believed that the first settlers came around 1800 in search of new homesteading sites. In 1828, there was a small village on site, which expanded to include 60 families between 1828 and 1855. At the center of activities was a Church and Walnut Grove Academy. The Walnut Grove Academy was also the center of prestige and power for the townspeople. In the late 1950s, the town began to take shape as its institutions were linked to the central government. In 1960, the population of the town was 604, which continued to increase reaching 1,661 individuals in 1900s. Since then, Eureka has seen a slow but consistent rise in the population.
Demographics
As of 2010 census, there are 1,754 households in the town. Most of the population consists of White that makeup nearly 97.7% of the entire population. Other races include African American, Native American, Asian, and Latinos. While the town’s demographics doesn’t distinguish itself from other nearby towns, it’s interesting to note that it has 100 females for every 85 males. The per capita income of the city in 2010 was nearly $20,460 but only 2% of the entire population lives under the designated poverty line.
Major Attractions
The most famous attraction of the town is Eureka College. As an institution that remained dear to President Reagan, it houses the famous Ronald Reagan Museum, which has the largest collection of Reagan memorabilia after the Reason Presidential Library in California. The town is sometimes known as the Pumpkin Capital of the World, but the original processing plants have moved to Morton, Illinois. Other major attractions include the Peace Park inside the College; Kaufman Park Golf Course, and the lake. It can be said that the town has a lot to offer if you’re interested in the history and life of Reagan as an actor, a child, and as a President.
Information for Visitors and Movers
If you’re planning to visit, keep in mind that June to September is the best time to visit the town as the weather is clear and there is plenty of sunshine. In contrast, December and January are the least comfortable seasons due to regular snowfall in Illinois. If you plan to move permanently, it’s good to know that the cost of living in the city is nearly 11% lower compared to the rest of the country. The housing market has also remained consistent with the overall U.S. market and public school spending per student is high considering the per capita income of the town.